Visegrad Fund Project- The Entrepreneurship Weekend

Objective of the project

This project aims to identify regional challenges that Kosovo, Albania and Montenegro face when it comes to entrepreneurship. Most importantly through EW these countries will come up with possibilities and opportunities on how to overcome regional obstacles together resulting in a faster economic development and EU integration. Likewise, this program will serve as a beginning of a long-term and sustainable cooperation.

Context

South Eastern Europe (SEE) has the highest unemployment rate in Europe, yet many countries have a highly skilled workforce. Kosovo’s population is growing, currently it is dominated by youth; men and women younger than 25 years old represent 49% of the population. Regional countries Albania (AL) & Montenegro (MNG) have similar circumstances. Further, Kosovo has significant needs; Some of these are related to the relatively poor population. Even with a very young and motivated population, Kosovo has very high unemployment rate. As a result, young entrepreneurs in Kosovo face the lack of support for funding, education, and mentoring. Therefore, this project through regional cooperation with AL & MNG aims to provide opportunities for students in order to turn their creative ideas into successful businesses.

Solution

The Entrepreneurship Weekend (EW) aims to bring the Visegrad entrepreneurship culture and influence to Kosovo, Albania, and Montenegro students. Likewise, EW intends to serve as a bridge between academia, community, and businesses. Essentially the idea behind EW is to get young people on board with the entrepreneurial mindset so as to generate economic growth and employment opportunities for Balkan countries by following the best Visegrad experiences in this context. Hereby, provide entrepreneurship workshops delivered by 4 different Universities from Visegrad countries in the fields of: Idea generation, Market Validation, Product Development, and Business Growth. Universum has founded the first business angel network which will hear participants’ pitches and potentially invest them.